58 years of Music From Big Pink!

Yesterday marked 58 years since the release of The Band's "Music From Big Pink." Here's a cool page from the Cleveland Plain Dealer from 1968, with a nice record store ad for it.

The Rick Danko and Garth Hudson Band

 Hard to believe it's almost July already.  Here's what was happening in Band land in July of 1999.

Rick and Garth played the Friday night round of Bearsville Theater's "Battle of the Bands."  The Levon Helm Blues Band played the following night!

Rick Danko live shot from Second Chance, Ann Arbor MI 1984

Cool shot from a Band concert from 1984 at Second Chance in Ann Arbor, MI.  Photo by Jeff Booth.  Rick is wearing a shirt from one of the "Nobody For President" events.

  

Thoughts on the recent vinyl releases of High on the Hog and Jubilation

 With the recent vinyl releases of "High on the Hog" (first time on vinyl) and "Jubilation," I just wanted to share my thoughts on them. 

The first one I received in the mail was "Jubilation," re-released via Friday Music. The first thing I noticed is that the cover art was reproduced rather poorly. Compare it with an original CD or Cassette version (or the original pressing) and you'll see how much vibrant color and clarity is missing on this release's cover. Also, you may notice a lot of album credits are missing. The album itself sounds good. I can't really complain about the quality. But with the lack of care/attention on the cover and inner sleeve, I can only give this release a B-/C+

"High on the Hog," on the other hand, exceeded my expectations!  The album cover clarity is crisp, colorful, and opens up to a gatefold. Most, if not all, of the original album credits and photos are included. The coke bottle colored vinyl looks great too and appropriate to match the album cover. The two records sound clean and nice. Regardless of what you think of this record, this is a cool release. A+

Danko and Butter rocked the Catalyst, 1979

 Great shot from the Santa Cruz Sentinel from 1979, when Rick Danko and Paul Butterfield rocked the joint.  No photo credit found.

Terry Danko remembered

 Very sad to hear of Terry Danko's passing. We send our condolences to his family and friends. I never got to meet him in person, but corresponded with him via Facebook over the past few years.  A very nice guy. 

Jubilation vinyl reissue has landed!

 Hot off the press via Elusive Disc and Friday Music, here’s Jubilation by The Band!